China is set to launch a national system to begin tagging and protecting its old trees, including some that have stood for more than 5,000 years.
The new regulations, announced by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA), will take effect on March 15, 2025. The initiative follows a nationwide survey that revealed the country is home to more than five million ancient and notable trees.
Details of the survey
The survey, conducted between 2015 and 2021, documented 5.08 million such trees across the country. It found 987,500 trees aged between 100 and 299 years, while 160,300 trees have stood for 300 to 499 years.
Another 68,200 have survived for over 500 years. Remarkably, 10,745 trees are more than 1,000 years old, with five trees believed to be older than 5,000 years.
One-tree-one-file monitoring system
To protect these living relics, authorities will introduce a “one-tree-one-file” monitoring system. Each tree will receive a tag with a unique ID, recording key information such as species, age, and location.
China will launch a nationwide initiative to tag and protect ancient and notable trees amid efforts to build an “ecological civilization” and preserve cultural identity.
A national survey conducted from 2015 to 2021 identified 5.08 million ancient and notable trees in China,… pic.twitter.com/CBh7AeFLUP— People’s Daily, China (@PDChina) February 18, 2025
The system will help researchers track the trees’ health and implement customized care plans. Additionally, new regulations will impose stricter penalties for damaging or removing protected trees without permission.
The NFGA describes these trees as “green national treasures” and “living cultural relics.” Officials say the initiative is not only about environmental protection but also about preserving a connection to the country’s cultural and ecological heritage.
Oldest trees in the world
While China is home to some of the world’s oldest trees, other ancient giants exist across the globe.
Old Tjikko (Sweden)
Located on Fulufjället Mountain in Sweden, Old Tjikko is a Norway spruce with a root system that has survived for almost 9,558 years.
Discovered by geologist Leif Kullman in 2004, the tree has managed to live through thousands of years due to a process called clonal reproduction. While its visible trunk is much younger, the tree’s roots have remained intact since the last Ice Age.
Scientists have studied Old Tjikko to learn more about climate patterns and environmental shifts. Its discovery helped confirm that trees in this region have continuously adapted to changing weather conditions for nearly 10,000 years.
Methuselah (United States)
In California’s White Mountains, the Methuselah tree stands as a testament to nature’s endurance. This Great Basin bristlecone pine is believed to be around 4,856 years old. It was first dated in 1957 by Dr. Edmund Schulman, who was researching tree rings.
The exact location of Methuselah is kept secret to protect it from vandalism. This tree predates many ancient civilizations, having taken root around the same time the pyramids were built in Egypt.
Despite growing in harsh, high-altitude conditions, Methuselah continues to thrive, offering invaluable data to scientists studying long-term climate patterns.
Sarv-e Abarkuh (Iran)
Also known as the “Zoroastrian Sarv,” the Sarv-e Abarkuh is a massive cypress tree located in Iran’s Yazd province. Experts estimate its age to be between 4,000 and 5,000 years old, making it one of the oldest living trees in Asia.
This cypress is deeply rooted in Iranian history and culture. It is considered sacred in Zoroastrian tradition and is believed to have been planted by a prophet. The Iranian government protects the tree as a national natural monument, recognizing its ecological and historical significance.
Llangernyw Yew (Wales)
In the small village of Llangernyw, Wales, an ancient yew tree is believed to be between 4,000 and 5,000 years old. It grows in the churchyard of St. Digain’s Church and has been a silent witness to the passage of time for thousands of years.
According to Welsh folklore, the tree is connected to a spirit named “Angelystor,” who is said to appear every Halloween to announce the names of those destined to die in the coming year. Despite its mythological associations, the tree’s scientific value lies in its extraordinary longevity and contribution to biodiversity.
Alerce Milenario (Chile)
In the Valdivian rainforest of southern Chile, the Alerce Milenario tree stands as a natural monument to resilience. This Patagonian cypress, also known as Fitzroya cupressoides, is believed to be between 3,600 and 5,400 years old.
The tree grows in the protected Alerce Costero National Park. Locally known as the “Gran Abuelo” or “Great Grandfather,” it has been studied extensively by dendrochronologists seeking insights into South America’s climate history.
These ancient trees play a critical role in the rainforest’s water cycle, storing significant amounts of carbon and helping regulate the surrounding microclimate.
Olive Tree of Vouves (Greece)
The Olive Tree of Vouves on the Greek island of Crete is estimated to be more than 3,000 years old. This ancient olive tree still produces fruit today, making it one of the oldest known olive-producing trees in the world.
The tree’s gnarled and hollow trunk has become a popular tourist attraction. Researchers have studied its growth patterns to better understand how olive trees adapt to environmental stress. The tree is also a symbol of peace and prosperity in Greek culture, reflecting the region’s historical connection to olive cultivation.
Why Preserving Ancient Trees Matters
Ancient trees serve as living records of the Earth’s history. Their growth rings can reveal past climate patterns, environmental shifts, and even human activity over thousands of years. Beyond scientific value, these trees also contribute to biodiversity, carbon storage, and soil protection.
As climate change and human activities continue to pose threats to old-growth forests, efforts like China’s tagging system become more urgent.
Environmental experts say the combination of advanced monitoring, stronger legal protections, and increased public awareness is key to preserving these natural wonders.
China’s new system may serve as a model for other nations. By taking action now, researchers hope these ancient giants will continue to stand tall, offering a bridge between the Earth’s distant past and its uncertain future.